
Love affair with Jazz
“after listening to Billie Holiday “You've Changed,” I fell in love with jazz, I was 13 years” Anita Williams
Anita Williams was destined for the stage; at Montfort Stage School - Cork City, she was the star performer taking lead roles in several musicals. She graduated in acting, speech and drama from LAMDA (London Academy of Drama and Acting). Her 13th birthday marked a turning point as she played Billie Holiday album, Lady In Satin; a birthday gift she received. She was transfixed by the strange melodic harmony sung with powerful yet emotional voice. Hypnotized by the sounds of "You’ve changed', she found herself sprung into a world of Jazz.
At 18, Anita traveled to London to train with Glynn Jones, known for training Annie Lennox, Shirley Bassey, Patti La Pone and several West End vocalists. Under his influence, she pursued a career in Broadway before returning to Ireland to audition at Dublin Academy of Music under Veronica Dunne, renowned opera coach. She was set to attend the Julliard Music Center in New York City but life took a different turn, instead she remained in Ireland to raise her two children.
Anita ventured as a fashion presenter on TV3 and entertainment correspondent for Ryan Tubridy and Dave Fanning radio shows. Here she rediscover her love affair with Jazz thus returned to Dublin to study Jazz improvisation at New Park School of Jazz. In 2008, she met a saxophonist from Baltimore, USA and formed a new band "Anita Williams & Rouge", performed at venues including Glucksman Gallery UCC, Opera House, Cork City, Speigle Tent, The Pavilion, The Button Factory etc
Between 2012 and 2018, she relocated to Dubai and has since worked with talented musicians at the city's most exclusive receptions including World Perfume Award, Burj Khalifa; The Middle East Fashion Award, The Ritz Carlton; The World Diamond Exchange, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. While Anita still resides in Dubai, she continuously receives invitations for international performances. Advocating Jazz, she pioneered Sunset and Breakfast Jazz events in Dubai, a celebration to bring the music closer to the people
NEWSFEED
17 Dec 2022
The Queen of Jazz concert. Anita Williams in Phuket. "Somewhere over the Rainbow"
At the beautiful settings of KEP Phuket with views of the Andaman sea.
4 Dec 22
Jazz & Blues Music Festival Phuket 2022.
Headline Jazz artist Anita Williams at the famous Three Monkeys Phuket.